Irvin Jacob Kalland, age 89, stepped into eternity on November 18, 2019 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Irvin was born on June 7th, 1930 in Dazey, North Dakota, to Hans and Josephine (Watne) Kalland. He attended High School in Hannaford, North Dakota, and went on to graduate from North Dakota State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Irvin entered the Air Force and became a mechanic working on B-36 planes during the Korean conflict. He was given an early discharge as his father requested help on the farm in North Dakota. After working for several years and opening his own garage, he moved back out to California and worked for Douglas MacArthur as an airplane mechanic. One of his highlights while he was living there was getting off work in time to enjoy the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. When his best friend Wally Anderson passed away in 1960, he reconnected with Shirley and followed her back to Hudson Wisconsin where he courted her and they married September 10,1960. He worked as a mechanic at Fury Motors in Lake Elmo for a few years and then took his new family back to North Dakota where he went to North Dakota State University to get his degree as a mechanical engineer. He was top of his class and returned to work at 3M for 30 years in resource recovery. For a while he worked with precious metals and towards the end of his career, he worked with repurposing surplus equipment. He had a reputation as an honest man, full of integrity.

He started driving a Harley when he was in high school and continued to enjoy motorcycles for many years. He was part of a club that would ride in the foothills of the mountains in California. He also loved foreign cars. His prize possession was his 1977 Lancia Scorpion, which he enjoyed riding with the top down, to the surprise of people who saw him. One of his other joys was downhill skiing. He and Shirley used to take their family to Colorado for several years, and enjoyed the various ski resorts in the area. They also enjoyed camping in a camper, which they would use to travel around the country as a family. Irvin was a quiet man, but his love and compassion spoke volumes. He had a strong faith that he fostered over his life and had a deep love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.               

Irvin will remain in the hearts of his children, Sandra Kalland, Karen (Jeff) Peltier, Su Anderson, Mike (Kitty) Anderson; grandchildren, Justin (Tammy) Anderson, Jacob (Lauralei) Anderson, Jessica (Martin) Ruof and Carly Syfko; great-grandchildren, Kenze, Dylan, Chase and Lilie; and great great grandson Leif. Irvin will also be remembered by spiritual children that he shared his loving life with.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rose Mae Kalland; and his parents, Hans and Josephine Kalland.

A time to visit with family in honor of Irvin will take place on Monday, November 25, 2019 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI from 12:00pm until 2:00pm, with Irvin’s funeral service starting a little after 2:00pm.

Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family

Arrangements have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI